PDD-NOS

Hello, my name is Karen Douchette. I have lived in Lebanon, PA for six years now. I was born and raised in Philadelphia. My life now is serene and calm, moving from the city and into a rural area was the best thing for my family and me. I am 53 years old, and I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up. I will be going to school for my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education with a specialty in English. I am unemployed right now, so this gives me the time to do what I really love and that is to write. The most important people in my life are my boyfriend, and children. I have four children and three grandchildren. My boyfriend and I have been together for 21 years. No marriage certificate was necessary for our longevity in loving each other. I devoted my life to my family. I was lucky enough to be able to stay home and raise my children. It was a necessity when it came to my son with autism. I worked here and there in part-time jobs. I have many interests that I love to do. One of my favorite pastimes is decorating my home. I love painting my home because of the feel it gives to a room. I am a clean freak and a perfectionist. I have tried almost every cleaning product on the market. Some people might say that I need a pill. I loved cleaning so much I had my own cleaning business in Philadelphia. I should have been a professional organizer too. I do that very well because of my obsession for neatness. In addition, I have an interest in mental health because my son was born with Autism. I know the mental health system pretty good by now. My son has moderate PDD-NOS. I made it a point to know all about autism and the ins and outs of it. My interest didn't stop there because I have family with anxiety disorders, depression and bipolar. Also, I have found myself in spirituality. I have self-studied the many areas related to spirituality. My search took me on a path of the unknown forces that surround us that we are not aware of or just don't be

I grew up in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, NY and currently live in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. I have seen these neighborhoods change dramatically over time. Now, I'm a mother of four children, two teenage girls and two young boys. My youngest son has a form of autism; PDD-NOS. I've learned so much about parenting in all aspects from my own children. In addition, I was formerly a NYC Public School teacher. I was a subsitute and then was accepted into a special program called Teaching Fellows, but the unexpected birth of my last child pulled me out of it. Anyway, what mother would regret staying home and spending time with her kids? I loved it and I was fortunate to be able to give him the attention that he needed from me. I also learned so much about autism, organic foods, toxins and creating a healthier lifestyle for my family. In the past, I worked at The Wall Street Journal as a news assistant and I was also a reporter and editor at my University's newspaper. I enjoy writing about non-fiction and informational pieces, especially about topics that relate to my personal experiences. Another fun fact about me is that I grew up with deaf parents so I know American Sign Language and I know deaf culture very well. I'm also presently working on becoming a deaf interpreter.

I am the youngest of 5, true "baby" of the family. I am a living example of how you can put the "fun" in dysfunctional. I hated most of my childhood. Small towns suck. I find it extremely challenging to say "no" without great difficulty, but I am working on it. Every other Wednesday, with daily homework.) I have always talked too much. Please, if I'm ever boring the heck out of you... stop me. I don't mind. I'd rather you told *me* and not everyone else... My biggest motivation is the deadline. and I am always late. Working on that too! I tend to wear people out. I think I was made with old parts. I need a body restart. I was ok with all my maladies until my headache. Pain I can handle, mess with my ability to think, and that is where I draw the line. It. Is. On. I adore my husband, but would have to reallllllly think about what I would do if John (Cusack), Jon (Stewart), or John (Krazanski) showed up at my doorstep to whisk me off... : ) Its Ok though, if Winona showed up, I'd let him go, but not without a fight. Our son Benny was diagnosed PDD NOS at 23 months. We knew something was *different* WEEK ONE. He is the most amazing little guy we have ever met! To know, know, know him... is to love, love, love him. And I do. oooo oooo ooo... Our daughter Tacy is indescribable. But I will attempt an "in a nutshell" description. The most passionate, compassionate, loving, caring, intelligent, creative, kind, witty, wonderful little gal on the planet. She finds beauty in everything, and is a daily reminder why the world needs to change. Me in a nutshell: I love to do good things for good people.

Befuddled mom of a 2 1/2 year old genius with ASD, drowning in the disorienting world of ABA, VB, EI, IU, OT, SLP, IEPs, PAs, PDD-NOS, ASD and any other alphabet soup you can come up with. Looking for other "autism-mommies" to network with, learn from and befriend.

Let's see... There's not really much to say about myself. My creative ability probably comes mostly from being PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developement Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified), which pretty much means I'm almost Autistic.

I am a single parent of two teenage boys. My older son is ADHD, my younger son is PDD-NOS. Life is filled with sports, IEP meetings,and a full time job for me. Of course it is hectic, but we manage. Each of us contributes daily to make it work!

Heather is the mom to a daughter with Autism, ADHD, ODD, Mood-D/O-NOS,obsessive compulsive tendencies, and sensory issues. We are a cyber-schooling family.She writes for a variety of online venues. If you have any questions you can reach her at specialneedsparent@atlanticbb.net.

Rebekah Sprecher is a thirty-something single mom of three kids. Her oldest has numerous special needs, not the least of which is cystic fibrosis. Over the years, Rebekah has learned to become an advocate for her children and to fight for what they need.

Erica's background includes PR Measurement, web design, publishing and non-profit management. Erica enjoys family time, playing in the great outdoors, photography and reading.